ORIGINALLY INITIATED ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS IN ONE PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT, THE PROGRAM WAS LATER EXPANDED TO OTHER PARTS OF PHILADELPHIA, PITTSBURGH, AND HARRISBURG. CURRENTLY, IT SERVES APPROXIMATELY 41 PERCENT OF THE CASELOAD, OR 108,819 CASES TOTALLING MORE THAN 304,000 PERSONS. A TOTAL OF 250 BANKS PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM WAS DEVELOPED TO MEET FOUR SPECIFIC PROBLEMS: LOST AND STOLEN CHECKS; EMERGENCY (REPLACEMENT) CHECKS, AN AREA MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO FRAUD; OVERWORKED PERSONNEL; AND PAYMENTS MADE BY RECIPIENTS TO CASH CHECKS. SUPPORT FOR THE PROGRAM WAS OBTAINED FROM TOP MANAGEMENT IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY, A JOINT COMMITTEE OF PHILADELPHIA BANK REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE, THE WELFARE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION (WRO), PUBLIC ASSISTANCE STATE AND COUNTY EMPLOYEES, AND RECIPIENTS. STEPS INCLUDED ESTABLISHING A DIRECT DELIVERY FILE, IDENTIFYING THE CLIENT THROUGH A DUAL SYSTEM OF FACE AND SIGNATURE IDENTIFICATION, AND ESTABLISHING BANK CHECK CASHING PROCEDURES. THE BANKS SIGNED A SERVICE PURCHASE AGREEMENT, ABSOLVING THEM FROM ANY LIABILITY OR EXPENSE, AND AN INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT DETAILING CERTAIN CHECK RELEASE PROCEDURES. THEY WERE PAID 45 CENTS PER TRANSACTION INCLUDING DIRECT COSTS AND OVERHEAD. TO COMPLEMENT THE PROGRAM'S SUCCESS, A BRANCH BANK WAS OPENED IN A LOW-RENT HOUSING PROJECT IN LEHIGH COUNTY TO EXCLUSIVELY SERVE PERSONS ON ASSISTANCE BY HANDLING WELFARE CHECKS, FOOD STAMP COUPONS, AND PAYMENTS FOR UTILITY BILLS. (AOP)